Systems, methods, and storage media for conveying virtual content in an augmented reality environment

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for conveying virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprising images of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual content were present in the real world. Exemplary implementations may: obtain user information for a user associated with a presentation device physically present at a location of the system; compare the user information with the accessibility criteria for the virtual content to determine whether any portions of the virtual content are to be presented to the user based on the accessibility criteria and the user information for the user; and facilitate presentation of the virtual content to the user via presentation device of user based on the virtual content information, the field of view, and the correlations between the multiple linkage points and the reference frame of the virtual content.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and storage mediafor conveying virtual content in an augmented reality environmentcomprising images of virtual content superimposed over physical objectsand/or physical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user asif the images of the virtual content were present in the real world.

BACKGROUND

Augmented reality environments may be used to present virtual content tousers as if it were present in the real world.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system configured forconveying virtual content in an augmented reality environment. Theaugmented reality environment may comprise of images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world. The augmented reality environment mayinclude the physical objects and/or the physical surroundings visiblewithin the field of view of the user and images of virtual contentpresented in conjunction with the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings. The system may include one or more hardware processorsconfigured by machine-readable instructions. Electronic storage mediamay be configured to store virtual content information defining virtualcontent correlations between multiple linkage points and a referenceframe of the virtual content. Relative positions of the multiple linkagepoints in the real world may define the reference frame with respect tothe real world. The electronic storage media may be configured to storeaccessibility criteria for the virtual content. The processor(s) may beconfigured to obtain user information for a user associated with apresentation device physically present at a location of the system. Theprocessor(s) may be configured to compare the user information with theaccessibility criteria for the virtual content. The comparison maydetermine whether any portions of the virtual content are to bepresented to the user based on the accessibility criteria and the userinformation for the user. The processor(s) may be configured tofacilitate presentation of the virtual content to the user via thepresentation device of the user. Facilitation of presentation may bebased on the virtual content information, a field of view of the user,the correlation between the multiple linkage points, and the referenceframe of the virtual content.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method forconveying virtual content in an augmented reality environment. Theaugmented reality environment may comprise images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world. The augmented reality environment mayinclude the physical objects and/or the physical surroundings visiblewithin the field of view of the user and images of virtual contentpresented in conjunction with the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings. The method may include obtaining user information for auser associated with a presentation device physically present at alocation of the system. The method may include comparing the userinformation with the accessibility criteria for the virtual content. Thecomparison may determine whether any portions of virtual content are tobe presented to the user based on the accessibility criteria and theuser information for the user. The virtual content may be defined byvirtual content information. The virtual content information may definevirtual content correlations between multiple linkage points and areference frame of the virtual content. Relative positions of themultiple linkage points in the real world may define the reference framewith respect to the real world. The virtual content information maydefine accessibility criteria for the virtual content. The method mayinclude facilitating presentation of the virtual content to the user viathe presentation device of the user. Facilitation of presentation may bebased on the virtual content information, a field of view of the user,the correlation between the multiple linkage points, and the referenceframe of the virtual content.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transientcomputer-readable storage medium having instructions embodied thereon,the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform amethod for conveying virtual content in an augmented reality environmentcomprising images of virtual content superimposed over physical objectsand/or physical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user asif the images of the virtual content were present in the real world. Theaugmented reality environment may include the physical objects and/orthe physical surroundings visible within the field of view of the userand images of virtual content presented in conjunction with the physicalobjects and/or the physical surroundings. The method may includeobtaining user information for a user associated with a presentationdevice physically present at a location of the system. The method mayinclude comparing the user information with the accessibility criteriafor the virtual content. The comparison may determine whether anyportions of virtual content are to be presented to the user based on theaccessibility criteria and the user information for the user. Thevirtual content may be defined by virtual content information. Thevirtual content information may define virtual content correlationsbetween multiple linkage points and a reference frame of the virtualcontent. Relative positions of the multiple linkage points in the realworld may define the reference frame with respect to the real world. Thevirtual content information may define accessibility criteria for thevirtual content. The method may include facilitating presentation of thevirtual content to the user via the presentation device of the user.Facilitation of presentation may be based on the virtual contentinformation, a field of view of the user, the correlation between themultiple linkage points, and the reference frame of the virtual content.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of ‘a’, ‘an’,and ‘the’ include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured for conveying virtual content inan augmented reality environment comprising images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world, wherein the augmented realityenvironment includes the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings visible within the field of view of the user and images ofvirtual content presented in conjunction with the physical objectsand/or the physical surroundings, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for conveying virtual content in anaugmented reality environment comprising images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world, wherein the augmented realityenvironment includes the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings visible within the field of view of the user and images ofvirtual content presented in conjunction with the physical objectsand/or the physical surroundings, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for conveying virtualcontent based on individual users and accessibility criteria of thevirtual content, in accordance with one or more implementations. Anaugmented reality environment may include views of images formingvirtual content superimposed over views of the real world. Virtualcontent may be presented to the individual user based on userinformation that is associated with the individual user. Virtual contentmay comprise one or more virtual content items able to be depicted in anaugmented reality environment based on one or more reference frames. Asused herein, the term “augmented reality environment” may refer to asimulated environment that includes the visual synthesis and/orcombination of both (i) visible physical objects and/or physicalsurroundings, and (ii) visual virtual content presented in conjunctionwith the visible physical objects and/or physical surroundings tovisually augment the visible physical objects and/or physicalsurroundings. The visual virtual content to be presented within a givenphysical environment (e.g., the visible physical objects and/or physicalsurroundings at a given location) may be referred to as a “virtualenvironment”. In some implementations, virtual content may besuperimposed over a physical object (or objects) to replace suchphysical object(s) in the augmented environment. Descriptions herein(such as the forgoing) describing visual augmentation of a physicalenvironment within an augmented reality environment should not be readas precluding other forms of augmentation (e.g., audio, haptic, etc.).Additionally, the virtual content may include accessibility criteria inwhich the user information is compared to for determination of access tothe virtual content. For example, virtual content items may be presentedto a specific demographic, based on preference, and/or based onsubscriptions to virtual content. A presentation device may provideinformation to a user (or a device of a user) defining virtual contentand a correlation between the linkage points and a reference frame ofthe virtual content. When presented by a presentation device, thevirtual content may be presented based on the reference frame of thevirtual content correlated to the real world by virtue of the positionof the linkage points in the real world.

It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that theimplementations described herein may be practiced without these specificdetails or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the implementations of theinvention.

Exemplary System Architecture

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured for conveying virtual contentin an augmented reality environment comprising images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world. The augmented reality environmentincludes the physical objects and/or the physical surroundings visiblewithin the field of view of the user and images of virtual contentpresented in conjunction with the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings, in accordance with one or more implementations. In someimplementations, system 100 may include one or more processor(s) 144,user interface 102, electronic storage 142, presentation device 152and/or, other components.

Processor(s) 144 may be configured to provide information processingcapabilities in system 100. As such, processor(s) 144 may include one ormore of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuitdesigned to process information, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronicallyprocessing information.

Processor(s) 144 may be configured to execute one or moremachine-readable instructions 106. Machine-readable instructions 106 mayinclude one or more instruction components. The instruction componentsmay include computer program components. The instruction components mayinclude one or more of accessibility determination component 110,presentation facilitation component 114, item receiving component 118,messaging component 120, virtual content generator 138, user interfacecomponent 122, and/or other instruction components.

Presentation device 152 may comprise any device capable of displayingvirtual content in an augmented reality environment comprising images ofvirtual content superimposed over real-time view of physical objectsand/or physical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user asif the images of the virtual content were present in the real world. Assuch, presentation device 152 may comprise any device that includesand/or is communicatively coupled to an image capturing device (e.g., acamera and/or any other device that includes an imaging sensor) that maybe used to capture a view of the real-world environment.

In various implementations, presentation device 152 may comprise asmartphone, a tablet, a computer, a wearable device (e.g., a headset, avisor, glasses, contact lenses, and/or any other wearable device), amonitor, a projector, and/or any other device configured to presentviews of virtual content in an augmented reality environment. In variousimplementations, presentation device 152 may include or be associatedwith one or more speakers for playing one or more sounds associated witha virtual content object. In some implementations, presentation device152 may be arranged on, and/or may comprise part of, a headset (notshown in FIG. 1). When headset is installed on a user's head, the user'sgaze may be directed towards presentation device 152 (or at least adisplay of presentation device 152) to view content presented bypresentation device 152.

A display of presentation device 152 may include one or more of screen,a set of screens, a touchscreen, a monitor, a headset (e.g., ahead-mounted display, glasses, goggles), contact lenses, and/or otherdisplays. In some implementations, a display may include one or more ofa transparent, semi-transparent, reflective, and/or semi-reflectivedisplay component, such as a visor, glasses, and/or contact lenses.Images of virtual content may be presented on the display component suchthat the user may view the images presented on the display component aswell as the real-world through the display component. The virtualcontent may be perceived as being present in the real world. Such aconfiguration may provide an interactive space comprising an augmentedreality environment. By way of non-limiting illustration, presentationdevice 152 may comprise an AR headset.

Virtual content information may be stored in electronic storage 142.Virtual content information may define virtual content correlationsbetween multiple linkage points and a reference frame of the virtualcontent. Relative positions of the multiple linkage points in the realworld may define the reference frame with respect to the real world. Thearrangement of linkage points may define the position of the linkagepoints in relation to one another. In other words, the arrangement ofthe linkage points may define the relative position of each of thelinkage points. The linkage points may comprise markers, transponders,stitching points, and/or other identified points.

In various implementations, virtual content information may define acorrelation between one or more linkage points and one or more pointsassociated with virtual content. For example, one or more pointsdefining a virtual content item (and its reference frame) inthree-dimensional space may be correlated to one or more linkage pointsof a living entity. Therefore, a reference frame for virtual content maybe anchored to multiple linkage points simultaneously.

In some implementations, the correlation between the reference frame ofthe virtual content and the arrangement of the linkage points may bemodified and/or updated, for example, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/707,854 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORUTILIZING A DEVICE AS A MARKER FOR AUGMENTED REALITY CONTENT”, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein.

Virtual content information may define accessibility criteria for thevirtual content. The accessibility criteria may define preferencesassociated with displaying individual virtual content items of the oneor more virtual content items and/or conditions that must be satisfiedto display the individual virtual content items of the one or morevirtual content items. Conditions that must be satisfied may include aspecific physical proximity, geo-location, specific geo-location at aspecific time, values of user parameters, and/or other conditions. Thatis, virtual content information may define virtual content items to bedisplayed when, for example, a specific presentation device associatedwith a user is in proximity of a store. In some implementations, theaccessibility criteria may indicate a subscription required to accessthe virtual content. Subscriptions may indicate the user agrees toreceive virtual content, view virtual content, and/or participate ingroups, or the like. Subscriptions may require advanced payments or maybe free of charge.

The virtual content information may define characteristics of thevirtual content. Virtual content may include one or more virtual contentitems. Each virtual content item may be associated with one or morespecific users, living entities, structures, or objects visible within afield of view of a user. A virtual content item may comprise visual ornon-visual virtual content to be perceived in an augmented realityenvironment. The characteristics may include, by way of non-limitingexample, one or more of a visual appearance of the virtual content, oneor more actions of the virtual content, textual and/or audible contentof the virtual content, customizable features of the virtual content,properties of the virtual content, and/or other characteristics. The oneor more actions of the virtual content may include flashing, spinning,bouncing, scrolling, jumping, flipping, kicking, dancing, running,walking, three-dimensional (3D) live action (e.g., concert, conferences,sporting events, games of chance, contests, games, adult entertainments,public speeches, etc. whether in real-time or time shifted), animation,and/or other actions. The properties of the virtual content may relateto the visual appearance, textual content, audible content, and/oractions of the virtual content. The properties may include color, shape,overall size, relative size to another virtual content item,transparency, font, font size, volume level, sound effects, and/or otherproperties. Customizable features of the virtual content may include thevisual appearance, the one or more actions, textual content, audiblecontent, properties, access time, and/or other customizable features.The access time may indicate that the virtual content is available for alimited time, specific period time, while supplies last, and/or othertime periods.

Accessibility determination component 110 may be configured to obtainuser information for a user associated with presentation device 152physically present at a location of the system. The user information mayidentify the user associated with presentation device 152. The userinformation may be defined by values of user parameters. The userparameters may include passwords, pin numbers, security questions (e.g.,riddles), biometric information, radio frequency identification,demographic information, account information, activity information,and/or other user information. The biometric information may includefingerprints, eye retina and iris scans, hand scans, voice, signature,and/or other biometric information. The demographic information mayinclude age, gender, occupation, and/or other demographic information.By way of non-limiting example, the occupation may include one or moreof certifications (e.g., emergency responders, aviation, installation,etc.), rankings (e.g., military, police, fire, governmental, etc.)and/or clearances (e.g., security). The user information for the usermay be defined and/or modified by the user.

The account information may include one or more of subscriptions,memberships, groups, platforms, preferences, usage, contact information,and/or other account information. The memberships may define advantagesand/or limitations of user access to virtual content per membershiplevel. The groups may be a plurality of other users in which the usermay be a part of. By way of non-limiting example, the users of a groupmay converse, challenge each other, trade virtual content items, and/orother interactions. The preferences may include cosmetic preferences,including background colors, font, language, time zone, read receipts,username, audio accent, screen saver, notifications, and/or otherpreferences. The preference may include content preferences, includingpreferences of products, retailers, cuisine, activities, and/or otherpreferences. The notifications may include sounds, badges, notificationpreviews, and/or other notifications. The usage may characterize anamount of time the user may interact with the system per day, week,month, year, and/or other period of time. The contact information mayinclude one or more email addresses, online social platforms, phonenumbers, and/or other contact information in which the user may receiveupdates and/or reminders.

The activity information may include location, motions, actions,orientation, and/or other activity information. Orientation may bedefined by yaw angle, pitch angle, roll angle, heading, pointingdirection, and/or other measurements of the user. Actions of the usermay include jumps, kicks, flips, dances, speaking, and/or other actions.

Accessibility determination component 110 may be configured to comparethe user information with the accessibility criteria for the virtualcontent to determine whether any portions of the virtual content are tobe presented to the user based on the accessibility criteria and theuser information for the user. The portions of the virtual content mayinclude objects, markings on the objects, audio content, text content,annotations, capabilities of the objects, some 3D live action, theproperties of the virtual content, and/or other portions of the virtualcontent.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 6 illustrates virtualcontent 600 visible by users 606 via presentation devices associatedwith users 606. Virtual content 600 may be of a live concert such thatusers 606 may watch from a different location than the location of theconcert. Virtual content 600 may be presented on table top 602 based onthe user proximity to marker device 604 located on table top 602.Virtual content 600 may be presented to users 606 upon comparison ofaccessibility criteria of virtual content 600 (e.g., viewing fee paid)and the user information of users 606.

In some implementations, the virtual content may include a first virtualcontent item. Accessibility determination component 110 may beconfigured to receive a first accessibility criterion for the firstvirtual content item from an administrative user. The accessibilitycriterion may include the first accessibility criteria. Anadministrative user may include, by way of non-limiting example,retailers, gaming services, leader of a group in which the user is apart of, employers, and/or others.

Accessibility determination component 110 may be configured to obtainsubscription information for the user. The subscription information forthe user may indicate one or more subscriptions of the user, as definedabove. Accessibility determination component 110 may be configured todetermine that at least one of the one or more subscriptions of the userpermits access to the virtual content. The access by the user to thevirtual content may be facilitated responsive to the determination thatat least one of the one or more subscriptions of the user permits accessto the virtual content. By way of non-limiting example, a firstsubscription of a first user may permit access to some virtual contentitems of the virtual content, while a second subscriptions of a seconduser may permit access to all virtual content items of the virtualcontent.

Presentation facilitation component 114 may be configured to facilitatepresentation of the virtual content to the user via presentation device152 of the user. Facilitation of presentation may be based on thevirtual content information, a field of view of the user, thecorrelation between the multiple linkage points, and the reference frameof the virtual content. Presentation of the virtual content to the usermay be based on the determination of access to the virtual content basedon subscriptions, the user information, and/or other accessibilitydeterminations.

In some implementations, presentation facilitation component 114 may beconfigured to obtain virtual content information from a sign post. Thelinkage points associated with the sign post may serve as an anchor forthe reference frame of virtual content. For example, presentationfacilitation component 114 may be configured obtain virtual contentinformation from a sign post as described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/707,854, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UTILIZING ADEVICE AS A MARKER FOR AUGMENTED REALITY CONTENT,”, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 3 illustrates user 302and user 304 in proximity to marker device 306. The demographicinformation of user 302 may indicate user 302 is in age range 30-39 andoccupation is carpenter. The user information of user 304 may indicateuser 304 has a subscription to a gaming service in which new weapons arereleased every month. Virtual content 308 presented to user 302 mayinclude various virtual content items based on the user information ofuser 302. Virtual content 308 may include advertisements for sales at anearby hardware store, listings for needed carpentry, jobsadvertisements, and/or other virtual content. Conversely, virtualcontent 310 presented to user 304 may include various virtual contentitems based on the user information of user 304. Virtual content 310 mayinclude a new virtual tool that may be used within proximity of markerdevice 306 within the gaming service.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 5 illustrates user 502and user 504 in location 500. Virtual content item 506 and virtualcontent item 508 may be welcome messages presented to user 502 and user504, respectively, when they enter location 500 and are in proximity tomarker device 512. Based on the preferences of the account informationof user 502, virtual content item 506 includes a brief welcome message.Based on the preferences of the account information of user 504, virtualcontent item 508 includes all updates since visit to location 500.

Presentation facilitation component 114 may be configured to facilitatepresentation of the virtual content information defining the modifiedversion of the virtual content. Presentation may be via presentationdevice 152 of the user and/or presentation devices of other users. Themodified version of the virtual content may be based on user inputindicating requests to modify the virtual content.

Presentation facilitation component 114 may be configured to cause aselectable list of the multiple virtual content items to be presented tothe user. A selectable list may include the multiple virtual contentitems in which the user may select one or more of. The selectable listof virtual content available to be presented via presentation device 152may include virtual content stored on or accessible via one or moredevices of a user, electronic storage 142, other components of system100, virtual content available via one or more connected devices (e.g.,a device of a living entity visible within a field of view of the user,smart marker, sign post), and/or virtual content available via a network(e.g., obtainable via the Internet, stored in cloud storage, orotherwise available via a network). In some implementations, theselectable list of virtual content available to be presented viapresentation device 152 may be presented upon proximity to devices ofwhich virtual content is stored on. Selection by a user may be byphysical input received via a user device, voice input, gesture-basedinput, input based on movement of the presentation device, input basedon user eye movement, and/or one or more other types of user input.

Item receiving component 118 may be configured to receive from theadministrative user an identification of a second user to invite toprovide at least one virtual content item. Identification of the seconduser may be a display of a username, first and/or last name, visualindication (e.g., virtual arrow, virtual circle, etc.), audibleindication, and/or other identifications. The user may invite the seconduser by one of the user inputs as previously mentioned.

Messaging component 120 may be configured to generate a message. Themessage may include a request to provide the at least one virtualcontent item. The message to the second user may include audiblecontent, textual content, animations, live action, and/or other virtualcontent. Messaging component 120 may be configured to transmit themessage to the second user. Messaging component 120 may be configured togenerate one message or multiple messages at one time. Likewise,messaging component 120 may be configured to transmit the multiplemessages at one time to multiple users. Each of the multiple messagesmay be customized or uniform based on the recipients of the messages(e.g., preferences).

In some implementations, the virtual content may include a secondvirtual content item. Item receiving component 118 may be configured toreceive, from the second user, the second virtual content itemresponsive to a request. Receiving the second virtual content item mayinclude receiving virtual content information defining the secondvirtual content item and second accessibility criteria for the secondvirtual content item. The accessibility criteria may include the secondaccessibility criteria.

In some implementations, the virtual content may include multiplevirtual content items. Virtual content generator 138 may be configuredto receive a selection of a first multiple virtual content item of themultiple virtual content items. Upon determination that access ispermitted to the selection of the first multiple virtual content item,accessibility determination component 110 may be configured tofacilitate access to the first multiple virtual content item responsiveto receipt of the selection.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a system configured toconvey virtual content in an augmented reality environment comprisingimages of virtual content superimposed over physical objects and/orphysical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user as if theimages of the virtual content were present in the real world, inaccordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 4 illustrates user 402and user 404 both which are participates in the same gaming platform.User 402 may attempt to send virtual crown 406 to user 404. Upondetermining the accessibility criteria of virtual crown 406 and userinformation of user 404, user 404 may receive message 408 conveying thatLevel 10 must be achieved before virtual crown 406 may be received.

Virtual content generator 138 may be configured to obtain user inputfrom the user indicating a request to modify the virtual contentdisplayed in the augmented reality environment. By way of non-limitingexample, the user input may be obtained via a user interface generatedby user interface 122. User input may comprise physical input receivedvia a user device, voice input, gesture-based input, input based onmovement of the presentation device, input based on user eye movement,input based on video recording of user (e.g., speaking, dancing, etc.),input based on image of user (e.g., real and/or virtual), and/or one ormore other types of user input. Virtual content generator 138 may beconfigured to obtain user input from one or more of the other usersindicating one or more requests to modify the virtual content displayedin the augmented reality environment.

Virtual content generator 138 may be configured to generate virtualcontent information defining a modified version of the virtual contentdisplayed in the augmented reality environment. The modified version ofthe virtual content may be based on the user input of the user. Virtualcontent generator 138 may be configured to generate virtual contentinformation defining a modified version of the virtual content displayedin the augmented reality environment wherein the modified version of thevirtual content may be based on the user input of the other users. Theuser input of other users may be compared to accessibility criteria todetermine if modifications may be permitted by a certain user and/orwhat modifications are permitted. Modifications may apply to thecharacteristics of the virtual content (e.g., color, transparency,textual content, size, etc.).

In some implementations, processor(s) 144, presentation device 152,electronic storage 142, and/or external resources 140 may be operativelylinked user interface 102 as in FIG. 1. However, any communicationmedium may be used to facilitate interaction between any components ofsystem 100. One or more components of system 100 may communicate witheach other through hard-wired communication, wireless communication, orboth. For example, one or more components of system 100 may communicatewith each other through a network. For example, processor 142 maywirelessly communicate with electronic storage 142. By way ofnon-limiting example, wireless communication may include one or more ofthe Internet, radio communication, Bluetooth communication, BluetoothLow Energy (BLE) communication, Wi-Fi communication, cellularcommunication, infrared communication, or other wireless communication.Other types of communications are contemplated by the presentdisclosure.

User interface component 122 may be configured to generate and cause auser interface to be displayed to a user. In various implementations,the user interface may be displayed to a user via a display interface ofa user device. For example, a user interface may be displayed to a uservia a graphical user interface of a user device, a display ofpresentation device 152, or any other display interface provided via auser device and/or a component of system 100.

In various implementations, user interface component 122 may beconfigured to generate a user interface that provides a user withinformation related to system 100. For example, the information relatedto the system may comprise an indication of one or more connecteddevices (e.g., a user device such as a smartphone or presentationdevice, and/or other devices connectable to system 100), virtual contentdepicted in the augmented reality environment whether currently visibleor not, virtual content available to be presented via presentationdevice 152 (e.g., content available via one or more devices of a user,electronic storage 142, and/or other components of system 100), anindication of a direction in which virtual content may be visible viapresentation device 152 (e.g., one or more arrows depicted a directionto move the presentation device to visualize virtual content), anindication of one or more markers or linkage points visible viapresentation device 152, an indication of one or more users, livingentities, and/or recognizable objects visible via presentation device152, one or more instructions for the user to trigger the rendering ofvirtual content in the augmented reality environment via presentationdevice 152, an indication of one or more other users interacting withand/or viewing virtual content, a current time and/or date, and/or otherinformation related to system 100. In some implementations, userinterface component 122 may be configured to generate a user interfacethat provides a user with information related to system 100 withoutenabling the user to provide input via the user interface.

In various implementations, user interface component 122 may beconfigured to generate a user interface that provides a user withinformation related to system 100 and enables a user to provide input.For example, the user interface may comprise selectable icons, inputfields, and/or other user input options enabling a user to control oneor more aspects of system 100. In some implementations, user interfacecomponent 122 may be configured to generate a user interface thatenables a user to modify virtual content information for virtual contentbased on one or more types of user input. For example, a user interfacegenerated by user interface component 122 may be configured to receiverequests, and subsequently virtual content generator 138 may beconfigured to receive the requests, to modify virtual content displayedvia presentation device 152. Requests to modify virtual content maycomprise requests to modify (i.e., alter) virtual content currentlydisplayed via presentation device 152 and/or requests to swap out thevirtual content rendered in an augmented reality environment for othervirtual content. In some implementations, user interface component 122may be configured to generate and provide to a user an interface thatmay receive requests to render virtual content and/or modify virtualcontent while virtual content is simultaneously rendered in theaugmented reality environment via presentation device 152. In someimplementations, user interface component 122 may be configured togenerate a user interface that enables a user to request the removal ofvirtual content rendered in the augmented reality environment.

In various implementations, user interface component 122 may beconfigured to generate a user interface that provides an indication ofthe virtual content available to be presented via presentation device152.

External resources 140 may include sources of information outside ofsystem 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/orother resources. In some implementations, some or all of thefunctionality attributed herein to external resources 140 may beprovided by resources included in system 100.

Electronic storage 142 may comprise non-transitory storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 142 may be provided integrally (i.e., substantiallynon-removable) with one or more components of system 100 and/orremovable storage that is removably connectable to system 100 via, forexample, by a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive(e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 142 may include one ormore of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.),magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic harddrive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g.,EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.),and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage142 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloudstorage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storageresources). Although electronic storage 142 is shown in FIG. 1 as asingle entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In someimplementations, electronic storage 142 may comprise multiple storageunits. These storage units may be physically located within the samedevice, or electronic storage 130 may represent storage functionality ofmultiple devices operating in coordination.

Electronic storage 142 may store software algorithms, informationdetermined by processor(s) 144, information received remotely, and/orother information that enables system 100 to function as describedherein.

Although processor(s) 144 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this isfor illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)144 may include a plurality of processing units. These processing unitsmay be physically located within the same device, or processor(s) 144may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devicesoperating in coordination. Processor(s) 144 may be configured to executecomponents 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138, and/or other components.Processor(s) 144 may be configured to execute components 110, 114, 118,120, 122, and/or 138, and/or other components by software; hardware;firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware;and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities onprocessor(s) 144. As used herein, the term “component” may refer to anycomponent or set of components that perform the functionality attributedto the component. This may include one or more physical processorsduring execution of processor readable instructions, the processorreadable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any othercomponents.

It should be appreciated that although components 110, 114, 118, 120,122, and/or 138 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being implemented within asingle processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s) 144includes multiple processing units, one or more of components 110, 114,118, 120, 122, and/or 138 may be implemented remotely from the othercomponents. The description of the functionality provided by thedifferent components 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138 described belowis for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as anyof components 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138 may provide more orless functionality than is described. For example, one or more ofcomponents 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138 may be eliminated, andsome or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones ofcomponents 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138. As another example,processor(s) 144 may be configured to execute one or more additionalcomponents that may perform some or all of the functionality attributedbelow to one of components 110, 114, 118, 120, 122, and/or 138.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for conveying virtual content in anaugmented reality environment comprising images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world, wherein the augmented realityenvironment includes the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings visible within the field of view of the user and images ofvirtual content presented in conjunction with the physical objectsand/or the physical surroundings, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. The operations of method 200 presented below areintended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method 200 may beaccomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the operations of method 200 are illustrated in FIG.2 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 200 may be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 200 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 200.

An operation 202 may include storing virtual content information andaccessibility criteria for the virtual content. Operation 202 may beperformed by one or more hardware processors configured bymachine-readable instructions including a component that is the same asor similar to electronic storage 142, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

An operation 204 may include obtaining user information for a userassociated with a presentation device physically present at a locationof the method. Operation 204 may be performed by one or more hardwareprocessors configured by machine-readable instructions including acomponent that is the same as or similar to accessibility determinationcomponent 110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 206 may include comparing the user information with theaccessibility criteria for the virtual content to determine whether anyportions of the virtual content are to be presented to the user based onthe accessibility criteria and the user information for the user.Operation 206 may be performed by one or more hardware processorsconfigured by machine-readable instructions including a component thatis the same as or similar to accessibility determination component 110,in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 208 may include facilitating presentation of the virtualcontent to the user via the presentation device of the user based on thevirtual content information, a field of view of the user. Thecorrelation between the multiple linkage points and the reference frameof the virtual content. Operation 208 may be performed by one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to presentationfacilitation component 114, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to convey virtual content inan augmented reality environment comprising images of virtual contentsuperimposed over physical objects and/or physical surroundings visiblewithin a field of view of a user as if the images of the virtual contentwere present in the real world, wherein the augmented realityenvironment includes (i) the physical objects and/or the physicalsurroundings visible within the field of view of the user and (ii)images of virtual content presented in conjunction with the physicalobjects and/or the physical surroundings, the system comprising:electronic storage that stores (i) virtual content information definingvirtual content correlations between multiple linkage points and areference frame of the virtual content, wherein relative positions ofthe multiple linkage points in the real world define the reference framewith respect to the real world, and (ii) accessibility criteria for thevirtual content, wherein the virtual content includes a first virtualcontent item; and one or more physical computer processors configured bycomputer readable instructions to: obtain user information for a userassociated with a presentation device physically present at a locationof the system, wherein the user information for the user is defined atleast in part by values of user parameters, the user parametersincluding one or more of passwords, pin numbers, biometric information,and/or radio frequency identification (RFID), wherein the values of theuser parameters identify the user associated with the presentationdevice and/or the presentation device; compare the user information withthe accessibility criteria for the virtual content to determine whetherany portions of the virtual content are to be presented to the userbased on the accessibility criteria and the user information for theuser; facilitate presentation of the virtual content to the user via thepresentation device of the user based on the virtual contentinformation, a field of view of the user, the correlation between themultiple linkage points and the reference frame of the virtual content,and the comparison of the user information with the accessibilitycriteria; and receive a first accessibility criterion for the firstvirtual content item from an administrative user, wherein theaccessibility criteria include the first accessibility criterion.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the virtual content includes a second virtualcontent item, and wherein the one or more processors are furtherconfigured to: receive from the administrative user an identification ofa second user to invite to provide at least one virtual content item;generate a message comprising a request to provide the at least onevirtual content item; transmit the message to the second user; andreceive, from the second user, the second virtual content itemresponsive to the request, wherein receiving the second virtual contentitem comprises receiving (i) virtual content information defining thesecond virtual content item and (ii) second accessibility criterion forthe second virtual content item, wherein the accessibility criteriaincludes the second accessibility criterion.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the virtual content comprises one or more virtual content items,and wherein the accessibility criteria defines preferences associatedwith displaying individual virtual content items of the one or morevirtual content items and/or conditions that must be satisfied todisplay the individual virtual content items of the one or more virtualcontent items, the conditions that must be satisfied including one ormore of a specific geo-location at a specific time, the values of theuser parameters, and/or a fee paid.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe accessibility criteria indicates a subscription required to accessthe virtual content, wherein the one or more processors are furtherconfigured to: obtain subscription information for the user, wherein thesubscription information for the user indicates one or moresubscriptions of the user; and determine that at least one of the one ormore subscriptions of the user permits access to the virtual content,wherein the access by the user to the virtual content is facilitatedresponsive to the determination that at least one of the one or moresubscriptions of the user permits access to the virtual content.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the virtual content comprises multiplevirtual content items, wherein the one or more processors are furtherconfigured to: cause a selectable list of the multiple virtual contentitems to be presented to the user; receive a selection of a firstmultiple virtual content item of the multiple virtual content items; andfacilitate access to the first multiple virtual content item responsiveto receipt of the selection.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the oneor more processors are further configured to: obtain user input from theuser indicating a request to modify the virtual content displayed in theaugmented reality environment; generate virtual content informationdefining a modified version of the virtual content displayed in theaugmented reality environment based on the user input; and facilitatepresentation of the virtual content information defining the modifiedversion of the virtual content via the presentation device of the userand/or presentation devices of other users.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: obtainuser input from one or more of the other users indicating one or morerequests to modify the virtual content displayed in the augmentedreality environment; and generate virtual content information defining amodified version of the virtual content displayed in the augmentedreality environment based on the user input of the other users.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the virtual content information definescharacteristics of the virtual content, the characteristics comprisingone or more of a visual appearance of the virtual content, one or moreactions of the virtual content, textual and/or audible content of thevirtual content, and customizable features of the virtual content.
 9. Amethod for conveying virtual content in an augmented reality environmentcomprising images of virtual content superimposed over physical objectsand/or physical surroundings visible within a field of view of a user asif the images of the virtual content were present in the real world,wherein the augmented reality environment includes (i) the physicalobjects and/or the physical surroundings visible within the field ofview of the user and (ii) images of virtual content presented inconjunction with the physical objects and/or the physical surroundings,the method comprising: storing (i) virtual content information definingvirtual content correlations between multiple linkage points and areference frame of the virtual content, wherein relative positions ofthe multiple linkage points in the real world define the reference framewith respect to the real world, and (ii) accessibility criteria for thevirtual content, wherein the virtual content includes a first virtualcontent item; obtaining user information for a user associated with apresentation device physically present at a location of the method,wherein the user information for the user is defined at least in part byvalues of user parameters, the user parameters including one or more ofpasswords, pin numbers, biometric information, and/or radio frequencyidentification (RFID), wherein the values of the user parametersidentify the user associated with the presentation device and/or thepresentation device; comparing the user information with theaccessibility criteria for the virtual content to determine whether anyportions of the virtual content are to be presented to the user based onthe accessibility criteria and the user information for the user;facilitating presentation of the virtual content to the user via thepresentation device of the user based on the virtual contentinformation, a field of view of the user, the correlation between themultiple linkage points and the reference frame of the virtual content,and the comparison of the user information with the accessibilitycriteria; and receiving a first accessibility criterion for the firstvirtual content item from an administrative user, wherein theaccessibility criteria include the first accessibility criterion. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the virtual content includes a secondvirtual content item, and the method further comprising: receiving fromthe administrative user an identification of a second user to invite toprovide at least one virtual content item; generating a messagecomprising a request to provide the at least one virtual content item;transmitting the message to the second user; and receiving, from thesecond user, the second virtual content item responsive to the request,wherein receiving the second virtual content item comprises receiving(i) virtual content information defining the second virtual content itemand (ii) second accessibility criterion for the second virtual contentitem, wherein the accessibility criteria includes the secondaccessibility criterion.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the virtualcontent comprises one or more virtual content items, and wherein theaccessibility criteria defines preferences associated with displayingindividual virtual content items of the one or more virtual contentitems and/or conditions that must be satisfied to display the individualvirtual content items of the one or more virtual content items, theconditions that must be satisfied including one or more of a specificgeo-location at a specific time, the values of the user parameters,and/or a fee paid.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the accessibilitycriteria indicates a subscription required to access the virtualcontent, the method further comprising: obtaining subscriptioninformation for the user, wherein the subscription information for theuser indicates one or more subscriptions of the user; and determiningthat at least one of the one or more subscriptions of the user permitsaccess to the virtual content, wherein the access by the user to thevirtual content is facilitated responsive to the determination that atleast one of the one or more subscriptions of the user permits access tothe virtual content.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the virtualcontent comprises multiple virtual content items, the method furthercomprising: causing a selectable list of the multiple virtual contentitems to be presented to the user; receiving a selection of a firstmultiple virtual content item of the multiple virtual content items; andfacilitating access to the first multiple virtual content itemresponsive to receipt of the selection.
 14. The method of claim 9, themethod further comprising: obtaining user input from the user indicatinga request to modify the virtual content displayed in the augmentedreality environment; generating virtual content information defining amodified version of the virtual content displayed in the augmentedreality environment based on the user input; and facilitatingpresentation of the virtual content information defining the modifiedversion of the virtual content via the presentation device of the userand/or presentation devices of other users.
 15. The method of claim 14,the method further comprising: obtaining user input from one or more ofthe other users indicating one or more requests to modify the virtualcontent displayed in the augmented reality environment; and generatingvirtual content information defining a modified version of the virtualcontent displayed in the augmented reality environment based on the userinput of the other users.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the virtualcontent information defines characteristics of the virtual content, thecharacteristics comprising one or more of a visual appearance of thevirtual content, one or more actions of the virtual content, textualand/or audible content of the virtual content, and customizable featuresof the virtual content.